Monday, May 13, 2013

The First Time's the Charm -Gosport Fine Art Festival

This past weekend, May 11-12, I participated in my first two day, outdoor, juried, fine arts show, The Gosport Fine Arts Festival [<<<click the link for more info] in Portsmouth, VA.
This was the 43rd year for this event and it hosts artists from all across the country.
I can't say enough good things about the fantastic organization, professionalism, and caring touches that this show gave to the artists. It was such a pleasure to be here.

I was nervous as I had not done an outdoor show and I was a bit intimidated by the caliber of the other clients, as I'm fairly new to this artist gig.

The weather cooperated for the most part. Wind on Saturday wrecked havoc with my easel displays and table cloths, by mid day, most of my pieces were as low as I could get them, and weighted with what ever jury-rigging I could come up with. Sunday started off with a strong rain storm, but that only lasted 45 minutes and the rest of the day was beautiful.

Sales were very strong all weekend and customers were so complimentary. I even had the pleasure of seeing recent clients from previous shows and my good neighbors from across the street stopped by too.

When we finished at 6 on Saturday night, I was tired and hungry. I needed to get more clamps, and some poles to make a better display on Sunday. So I packed up, battened down my hatches and left without attending the awards dinner at 6:30pm.

The next morning I arrived very early to setup and to use all my new clamps and wind friendly display ideas. Despite the downpour, I got everything together and was ready to open at 10.

Not long after the show began, a cart pulled up with the show director, Shelley Brooks, and her assistant director. Shelley said "Tammie Everly, where were you last night?" I sheepishly thought I was 'busted' and quickly apologized. Shelley then said "Well we missed you because...you were the winner of the 'Award for Distinction' in Jewelry!"
I was flabbergasted to say the least and of course it made me all teary. I couldn't believe it! The achievement was even sweeter because it actually included a cash prize.

I am so honored and humbled, this show had 150+ artists and over 30 people in the jewelry category.
I was a late entry and it was my first juried show. I am truly, completely blessed.
More than the money and the wonderful compliment, I appreciate the validation that this award bestows upon me. It's so nice to do something you love, and even nicer when others like it too.

So, I'll be floating on a cloud for a while and soon, I will be busy in the workshop trying to replenish my very depleted stock.
Oh yeah, one more thing.... I''l be treating my self to a new Swanstrom disk cutter :-D

Congrats, Tammie... you are SO right, everyone needs a little validation! It's so nice to have a successful show right at the start, it's easier to take it in stride when you get an "iffy" experience later on (which happens to everyone). Your booth display was lovely. Enjoy that disc cutter... you deserve to treat yourself!

Oh my, Tammie, what a wonderful surprise! You're braver than me for trying the craft show thing...I gave up years ago. And how fantastic to have such a good experience and such valuable recognition. I hope you're STILL walking on a cloud because that's some awesome stuff right there! Yay YOU!

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